09/03/2026
Happy Throwback Thursday! MAPS is recognizing our First Gen and our First Gen Advocate faculty and staff members!
Meet Natalie! Natalie is a First Gen Staff member who works WCU CCESL !
Natalie has some advice for First Gen students: “Take advantage of opportunities both on and off campus, go to that sporting event, volunteer, stop by that exhibit, and join clubs and organizations that fill your cup, not just your resume. Connect with your faculty members, ask questions, and go to office hours. Use resources on campus! Go to tutoring! Don’t be afraid to try new things, actually be afraid, but do it anyway. Learn as much as you can while in college, it goes by fast. Apply for the scholarships, fix your resume, take the headshot, create the LinkedIn, track your involvement, make friends from other disciplines and areas of study. Learn about the different offices on campus and talk to staff, we love to help students and connect you to opportunities!! Check ENGAGE if you ever think there is nothing to do, there is always something to attend, or a trail to walk nearby, or a creek or river or lake to hang out near. Last but not least, believe in yourself, you are here because you belong here and you will do amazing things!”